Cannabidiol May Ease Dental Pain

A recent study published in the Journal of Dental Research investigates the potential of cannabidiol (CBD), a nonpsychoactive component of cannabis, as an alternative analgesic for acute dental pain. Dental pain often leads to emergency department visits, with opioids frequently prescribed as a last resort. The study focuses on a United States Food and Drug-approved CBD drug, testing its efficacy in a randomized, triple-arm, placebo-controlled trial involving adult patients with moderate to severe odontogenic pain. The research reveals that both CBD doses (10mg/kg and 20mg/kg) significantly reduce pain compared to the placebo group. CBD shows a rapid onset of pain relief, reaching a maximum median reduction of 73% from baseline at the 180-minute mark. Interestingly, CBD also increases bite force, suggesting a potential improvement in tooth function. Importantly, CBD does not induce significant psychoactive or mood effects. Despite limitations such as a small sample size, the study suggests that pure CBD could be a potent analgesic for emergency dental pain, potentially reducing the reliance on opioids. Click here to read more.